Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 11,000, John Ford, Va

SERVICE
NUMBER
Var
Ford, John Elizabeth
$11,000
CONTENTS

13573 East Tennessee
John Forde Sen. of Bledsoe in the State of E. Tennessee who was a Privat in the Compy commanded by Captain Richards of the Regt commanded by Col Ennis in the Virginia for 8 months
25. May 1840, see let to 3 d audr: Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 1 st April 1838 from 4 th March 1836 to 4 th Sept 1839. - Agt notified 10 June 1840 Paid as above from 4 Sep 1839 to 4 March 1840 Agt Notified 25 th March 1841.
Inscribed on the Roll of E Tennessee at the rate of 20 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 day of May 1830 and sent to James A White side Pikesville Tenn Arrears to the 4 th of Mar. 1833 $ 40.00 Pens ant. allowance ending Sept.  10.00 $ 50.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Wm Lloyd Clerk Book E Vol. 7 Page 45

Tennessee.
Elizabeth Ford, widow of John Ford, who was a private, in the Virginia line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1844. 5th. August, 1844.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 day of Oct: '45. and sent to Richard Lanning Sevierville, Tenn.
[Act of JUNE 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book 8
Vol. 1 - Page 345.
Let to J. G. Berret 21 Feb 1831
Miss Jane Mathis July 13/50.
Report

24416
Declaration
John Ford Jr
for a
Pension.

State of Tennessee
Blount County, County Court } 1. 1.
On this eleventh day of February 1833 personally appeared in open court, before the worshipful justices of the county court of Blount County, Tennessee, now sitting John Ford Sen r a resident of the county of Blount and State of Tennessee, aged twenty one years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832.
That he entered of the United States the service under the following named officers, and served as here in stated. In Fluvanna County State of Virginia he entered the service of the United States in the company of militia commanded by Captain Thomas Sherman, and was marched from there to Albermarle Barracks where he was stationed guarding Burgoyne's prisoners. Declarant thinks Captain Solomon Rice had the command of the regulars at the Barracks. He was stationed there, and employed as before stated until the end of his term of service, the precise length of which he is from age and the consequent loss of memory unable to state. He was discharged & returned home. From loss of memory he is unable to state the period of the

war when he entered the service, and can only refer to the facts of the prisoner's letters at Burgoyne's defeat being stationed at Albermarle Barracks to fix the date. After the expiration of the term which he served at the Barracks, he thinks about a year, he was called out again in his turn according to his number & again entered the service in Fluvanna County in the company commanded by Captain Samuel Richardson, lieutenant William Bibey (a substitute in lieu of John Timberlake lieutenant of the company who was clerk of the court) and ensign Walter Johnson. From Fluvanna, he marched to Richmond from Richmond to Williamsburg, and in his expiration was at the following points but cannot designate his precise route. at Page's Wanhorse and New Castle. at Little York. the half way house where he was stationed a while. at Williamsburg again. Thence to Shirley, Virginia about 16 miles below Richmond where declarant was discharged. Col. Ennis commanded Captain Richardson & his company. Col. Dabney was at that time in the service, declarant saw him while he was out on this tour. He also saw Lafayette a short time before he was discharged. He served out the term he stated for, but cannot remember the length of it. When it came round to declarant's turn again, he was again called out & entered the service in Fluvanna County in the company commanded by Captain Richard Stapp (or

Stapier). From Fluvanna he was marched to Richmond & down James River to a place he thinks called Hobbs Mills where he quit the service after having been stationed there a while. He did not serve out the last tour. He cannot from age and the consequent loss of memory state the period of the war when he served - he quit the service shortly before Cornwallis surrendered. nor can he from the same cause state the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than six months in the capacity of a private soldier. He has no documentary evidence of his service nor does he know of any persons whose testimony he can procure who can testify to it. -
He was born in Albemarle county State of Virginia on the 13 th day of November 1762. He has a register of his age kept by his father in an old bible. - He was living in Fluvanna county State of Virginia when called into the service & continued to live there for many, say about sixteen years after the war - from there he moved to Roan county Tennessee where he lived eight years from there after the war to Blount county where he has resided about sixteen years & still resides. He expects he must have lived in Fluvanna longer but cannot recollect how long.

He supposes he was drafted, he was re-enbend in the Company and called out in his turn.
He has stated the names of his officers & the circumstances of his service as well as he recollects them. He received discharges from his Captains but took no care to preserve them and does not know what has become of them -
He is known in his present neighbourhood to William Nail a clergyman and John Starramore a justice of the peace for Blount County who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension roll of the Agency of any State. - John Ford Jr
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid.
We William Nail a clergyman residing in the County of Blount, State of Tennessee, and John Starramore residing in the same, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Ford Jr who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy one years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the

in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion. —
William Nail
Sworn & subscribed this day & year aforesaid
John Narramore
The State of Tennessee,
Bledsoe County, County Court, Feby Session 1833. —
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier, and served as he states — and the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that William Nail who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the County of Bledsoe; and that John Narramore who has also signed the same is a resident in the County aforesaid, and an credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit. —
The State of Tennessee,
I Scott Terry Clerk of the County Court of Bledsoe County, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the Original proceeding of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Ford for a pension. —
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my private seal. (Not having a seal of Office). —
This 11 th day of Feby 1833.
Scott Terry Clerk

State of Tennessee,
I James Standifer Member of Congress from the third District of the state of Tennessee, certify that Scott Torry esq, whose signature appears to the preceding certificate, is now, and was at the time of making the same, Clerk of the County Court of Bedford County - that due faith and credit are given his official acts as such - That the same is his genuine signature, and that his said certificate is in due form of law, and that there is no seal of office for said Court Given under my hand this 16 th day of March 1833.
James Standifer

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7 th July 1838, entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows.
State of Tennessee                      ss
Bedford County                      3
On this 21 st day of August 1844.
personally appeared before the subscriber a justice of the Peace in and for said County Elizabeth Ford a resident of the County and State aforesaid aged Eighty years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838, entitled an Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows. That she is the widow of John Ford Sen r . who died on the 5 th day of August 1844, and who was a soldier in the Virginia Militia in the War of the Revolution, that the aforesaid John Ford Sen r drew a pension under the act of Congress of 7 th June 1832 of twenty Dollars for his said services. She further declares that she was married to the said John Ford Sen r sometime in April 1784 in the County of Fluvanna in the State of Virginia. She further states that her husband the aforesaid John Ford Sen r served in Capt. Thomas Thurman's Company of Militia in the                      Regiment, the first tour of three months, and the second tour of three months he served under Capt. Richardson, Col. Daines & Genl. Lafayette, six months in all, and marched to Albemarle, thence to Williamsburg and divers other places that she can now recollect to have heard him relate in his life time. And that she has no family record, nor any documentary evidence by which she can make proof of her marriage, but that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but that the marriage

took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four, V. at the time above stated, and still remaining his widow, her
Elizabeth X Ford mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me a justice of the Peace for the county of ... and further certify that the said Elizabeth Ford is from bodily infirmity and old age unable to attend court.
In witness whereof here I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 21 st day of August 1844.
John H Greer (seal) Justice of the Peace
State of Tennessee
Bledsoe County ss personally appeared before me John H Greer a justice of the Peace for said county Dorothea Mathis and made oath according to law that she has been acquainted with John Ford sen r and Elizabeth Ford for the space of fifty years or upwards and that they lived together as husband and wife, and that the validity of their marriage has never been disputed in the neighborhood in which she resides and that he died on the 8 th day of August 1844, and that she still remains his widow.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 21 st day of August 1844.
John H Greer Justice of the Peace
Dorothea X Mathis mark
State of Tennessee
Bledsoe County ss I John H Greer a justice of the Peace in and for said county do certify that I have been personally acquainted with Dorothea Mathis whose signature appears to the foregoing affidavit, and do

hereby certify that she is a respectable person of said County and that due credit should be given to any statements made by her in said affidavit.
Given under my hand and seal this 21 st day of August 1844.
John T. Greer
Justice of the Peace
State of Tennessee ss. September Term 1844 County Court - Bledsoe County ss. The declaration of Elizabeth Ford certified on the 21 st day of September August 1844 by John T. Greer a justice of the Peace for said County, being submitted to the Court, the said Court doth approve his proceedings and acts in said case, and hereby direct the Clerk to endorse the approval on the paper.
Lamer Armistead
Saml. Rankin
W. Brown
State of Tennessee ss. Bledsoe County ss. I John Thomas - Clerk of the County Court of Bledsoe County, do hereby certify that the foregoing proceedings are the original proceedings had and approved of by the County Court of Bledsoe County at its September Term 1844, relative to the declaration of Elizabeth Ford to obtain the benefit of the acts of Congress relative to Revolutionary pensions, and I further certify that the aforesaid John T. Greer - is and was a justice of the Peace in and for said County duly Commissioned and qualified according to law, and that the signature pertaining to his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office at Office in Pikeville, this 2 nd day of September 1844.
John Thomas clerk

State of Tennessee Bledsoe County 318 William Brown Chairman of the County Court of Bledsoe County do certify that John Thomas whose name appears to the foregoing certificate is and was at the time it was dated Clerk of the County Court of Bledsoe County duly elected and commissioned according to law, and due credit should be given to his official acts as such.
Given under my hand and seal this 2 nd day of September 1844.
W. Brown (Seal)
Chairman of the County Court of Bledsoe County
11378
Elizabeth Ford Mother of John Jr.
Act 7 Aug 1838
Respectful husband and
August 15 th 1844
Marion 1785
Pension Declaration Elizabeth Ford
J. C. Aug 15 th 1844
Richard Lanning Severville Tennessee

Know all men by these presents that I Nancy Loden formerly Nancy Ford, of the County of Bedford and State of Pennsylvania have this day appointed,
my true and Lawfull attorney for me and in my name to prosecute my claim for any amount that may be due from the Government of the United States to the heirs of John & Elizabeth Ford hereby ratifying whatever my said attorney may lawfully do about the matter and as full an ample a manner as I could do were I present and doing and acting for myself Given under my hand and seal this the 16 th day of April A.D. 1837
Test James Walker Charity M'Clendon
Nancy Loden Mark

State of Tennessee
Blount County } I James S Parker clerk of the court in and for the County and State above-mentioned do hereby certify that James Walker whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing declaration affidavit and power of attorney is and was at the time of signing the same an acting justice of Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn on the day of March 1848 which commission continues until the day of March 1854 and that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit and that the aforesaid county court is a court of Record.
Given my hand and seal of Office at Tiptonville this 23 rd day of April 1851.
James S. Parker clerk of Blount county court
James H. Powell Frank

Phoebe Ford aged forty five years Sworn to and subscribed on this the 16 th day of April 1851 before me
James Walker (Seal) Just D. Walker (Seal) Nancy Laden Justice of the Peace C. McElendon Master
I certify from my personal acquaintance with the Witness aforesaid and her said parents that she is the Identical person she represents herself to be and that she is a person of Respectability and in whose Statements full confidence may be placed Given under my hand and seal This this the 16 th day of April 1851
James Walker (Seal) Justice of the Peace
State of Pennsylvania County of Bedford On this the 16 th day of April A.D. 1851 Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the peace for said county Daniel Brown and Eloisa Walker who are credible and disinterested Witnesses state on their oath that were acquainted with John Ford and his wife Elisabeth Ford for something like twenty years previous to their death and that they died at the time stated in the Witness declaration and that they lived together during their acquaintance and up to the death of John Ford as husband and wife and in good repute and that Jane Matthews Sarah Brother John Ford Nancy Laden Mary Renfro and Phoebe Ford are Lawfull heirs of John & Elisabeth Ford, further State that they are the only surviving heirs of the said John & Elisabeth Ford Sworn to and subscribed the day and date above written
Daniel Brown his wife Eloisa Walker
James Walker (Seal) Justice of the Peace

State of Pennsylvania } ss County of Berks } before the Subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified to administer Oaths, personally appeared Nancy Soden formerly Nancy Ford a Resident in said County aged fifty three years who being first duly sworn according to law makes the following declaration in order to obtain the amount due to the heirs of John Ford and his Widow Elisabeth Ford under the Acts of Congress passed (June 7 th 1832, 7 th July 1838, 2 nd March 1843, 17 th June 1844, Joint Resolution of 23 rd January 1845, Joint Resolution of July 12 th 1848 Act of July 1848 & Act 9 th 1848 This declarant States that she is the Lawful child of John Ford late of said County and that her said Father was a Pensioner of the United States at the rate of Twenty dollars per Annum and drew his Pension up to Fourth day of March Eighteen hundred and forty one and that he died on the Twenty Eighth day of August Eighteen hundred and forty four leaving a Widow named Elisabeth Ford who did not intermarry after the death of her said Husband nor never Received a Pension from the United States but died on the Thirtieth day of September Eighteen hundred and forty five being the widow of the said John Ford and that the said John Ford and Elisabeth Ford did leave Six children now Surviving them whose names are Jane Mathis formerly Jane Ford aged about sixty five years Sarah Bristol formerly Sarah Ford aged about sixty two years John Ford aged fifty five years Nancy Soden formerly Nancy Ford aged fifty three years Mary Renfro formerly Mary Ford aged forty eight years and

Phoebe Ford aged forty five years Sworn to and subscribed on this the 16 th day of April 1851 before me
James Walker (Seal) Just Justice of the Peace James Walker (Seal) Justice of the Peace C. McElendon Nancy Loden Mark
I certify from my personal acquaintance with the within affiant and her said parents that she is the Identical person she represents herself to be and that she is a person of Respectability and in whose statements full confidence may be placed Given under my hand and seal This the 16 th day of April 1851
James Walker (Seal) Justice of the Peace
State of Pennsylvania County of Bedford On this the 16 th day of April A.D. 1851 Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the peace for said county Daniel Brown and Eloisa Walker who are credible and disinterested witnesses state on their oath that were acquainted with John Ford and his wife Elisabeth Ford for something like twenty years previous to their death and that they died at the time stated in the within declaration and that they lived together during their acquaintance and up to the death of John Ford as husband and wife and in good repute and that Jane Walker Sarah Brother John Ford Nancy Loden Mary Renfro and Phoebe Ford are Lawfull heirs of John & Elisabeth Ford, further State that they are the only surviving heirs of the said John & Elisabeth Ford Sworn to and subscribed the day and date above written
James Walker (Seal) Justice of the Peace
Daniel Brown his Nancy Loden Mark

Palmyra 24th August 4 th 1865-
10
W. Richard Lanning Pocahontas Tennassee —

Stuana Jct.
Certifies that on the 12 th of April 1785, a Marriage was Solemnized between John Ford and Elizabeth England by me.
Philip Webber.
Registers in the Clerk's Office of Stuana County.
Tests.
Ino. Timbulak b.b.
A Copy
Tests.
Alia: Stephen J. b.b.
August 2 nd 1825.
I Abraham Stephen J. Clerk of the County Court of Stuana do hereby Certif. that the above is a true Copy from the Records of the said Court
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said County Court this 2 nd day of August 1825 and in the 70 th Year of the Commonwealth.
Alia: Stephen J. Clerk
Pre 72 nd
05 Postage undeharged Spaid by me.
77
Adjr 3/3

24.416.
John Ford, Jr. Bladsoe Co. Tennessee
From 1777 private 6 months $20
Col. A. Whiteside Pikeville, Bladsoe Co. Tennessee

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Samford Jon. Bledsoe  (Tennessee)
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     1 1 1 Priv Col. Thurman 17 years Traditionary.   " " Rice 18   " Col. Ennis 19   " Col. Richardson 20   " Col. Napier 21  
He thinks not left than Six m.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this            day of            personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of            in the county of            and State, Territory or District of            aged (c)            years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)           , with            and served in the            (e) regiment of the            line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. (This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.)]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I            of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of            for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of            &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the            and C. D. residing in (the same)           , who has hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with           , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be            years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the            and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the            and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I,            Clerk of the Court of            do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this            day of            &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. (Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
17 The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Joseph Rowen

January 25, 1939.
Virginia Burnette Hartford Michigan.
BA-J/ILL Q John Ford W. 11000
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of John Ford, who was a pensioner of Bledsoe County, Tennessee.
The data which follow are found in the papers on file in pension claim, W. 11000, based upon service in the Revolutionary War of John Ford.
John Ford was born November 13, 1762 in Albemarle County, Virginia; the names of his parents are not shown.
While a resident of Fluvanna County, Virginia, he enlisted and served as private in Captain Thomas Thurman's Virginia company, guarding "Burgoyne's prisoners" at Albemarle barracks, later, served in Captains Samuel Richardson's and Richard Napier's companies under Colonel Innes in the Virginia troops until shortly before the surrender of Cornwallis, length of his service at least six months.
After the war, John Ford continued to reside in Fluvanna County, Virginia, for sixteen years or more, then moved to Roane County, Tennessee, and resided about eight years, afterwards moved to Bledsoe County, Tennessee.
He was allowed pension on his application executed February 11, 1833, at which time he resided in Bledsoe County, Tennessee. He was referred to at that time as John Ford, Senior. The soldier died August 5, 1844, in that county.
John Ford married April 12, 1785, in Fluvanna County, Virginia, Elizabeth England.
Elizabeth Ford, the soldier's widow, applied for pension

August 21, 1844, at which time she resided in Bledsoe County, Tennessee. She was aged then eighty years; the date and place of her birth and the names of her parents are not shown. Pension was allowed. Elizabeth Ford died September 30, 1845.
In 1851, surviving the names of the children of John Ford and his wife, Elizabeth, who were living, were given as follows: Jane Mathis, aged sixty-five years, of Bledsoe County, Tennessee; Sarah Bristoe, aged sixty-two years; John Ford, aged fifty-five years; Nancy Loden, aged fifty-three years, of Bledsoe County; Mary Renfro, aged forty-eight years; and Reuben Ford, aged forty-five years, also of Bledsoe County, Tennessee. The names of the husbands of the above noted daughters are not shown.
In 1855, Jane Mathis and Nancy Loden resided at Grassy Cove, Bledsoe County, Tennessee.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

Sept. 24 Dear Friend Elizabeth
Friend
L. L. Edwards Commissions of Tensory Washington City D.C.

Sevierville Ten 11 th Sept 1845-
Wm Lloyd Edwards
Sir inclosed I send you the Clerks certificate of marriage in the case of Mrs Elizabeth Ford which you will file with the other papers in her case and if the evidence are sufficient send on her certificate to me Yours &c
Richd Lansing

11378 Oct 4 1844
Elizabeth H. Hards
Oct 1838
Tenn
$ 100 50 Free.
O. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D. C.

Sevierville Tennessee 26 th Sept 1844.
Dear Sir
I send you two Claims for examination one of which was a little torn when come to hand after having been certified at Pikerille more than one hundred miles from my residence, & therefore send it as it came from the court.
Yours with respect & high esteem Richard Lanning

Such
Nov 23. / 44

Pension Office Nov 23. '44.
Sir.
The papers in the case of Elizabeth Ford widow of John Ford for claiming a pension under the Act of July 7 th 38 have been examined and filed. This claim is barred by the Act of April 30 th 44 which provides, that "no pension shall be hereafter granted to a widow for the same time that her husband has rec d one". John Ford the was allowed a pension up to the 5 th day of Aug h 1844 when he died. The service of 6 months is admitted and a pension may be allowed his widow under the Act of June 17 th 44 on production of public or private record or documentary evidence of the date of the marriage
Richard Lanning Esq d Tennessee Tennsville Tennessee
11.378 Act July 7 th 38

Relaming
May 9 45.
✓

Pension Office, May 9 1845
Sir,
I herewith return the pension certificate of John Ford Sr. dec d accompanied by printed instructions to enable his widow  her to prepare the vouchers required. They should be forwarded by her direct to P. Hagner Esq., Third Auditor, in whose office the pension is now payable.
We can find no evidence of the service of Joel Lucas in the 10 th Virginia Regiment. The name of Capt Buchanan does not appear among the officers of that regiment.
Rich d Lanning Esq., Sevier House Tennessee.
28797. Joel Lucas Term. 32

✓ July 10/55

Pension Office, July 18 th 1855
Madam,
In reply to your letter of the 4 th ultimo, I have respectfully to inform you that John Wood, a revolutionary pensioner, appears to have been paid to the 5 th of August 1844 - the date of his death - The last payment was made at the Treasury - His widow, Elizabeth, was afterwards pensioned from the date of his death - and her allowance paid to the 4 th March 1845 - For such balance as may have accrued from the latter date to the time of her death, application should be made to the Third Auditor of the Treasury in this city - I enclose instructions which will enable you to recover whatever may be found to be due
Respy -
Mrs. Jane Mathis, Grassy Cove Bledsoe Co., Tennessee.

Happy Love Dr Elizabeth Ford John Ford 1844
free  official Business 
Commission of Pensions Washington City D.C.
Mr

Grassy Corn Bladsoe counts etc June 4 - 55
Comm of Pension
Respect Sir upon Examination of the Books of I Lewis Pension agent at Knoxville & find that John Ford a Revolutionary Soldier has never Drawed from the 4 th of March 1841. who lived untill 1844 & his wife untill 1845. & we as heirs wish to know if the money has ever been Drawed by any agent or not from your office. by giving the Information you will confer a favour on
Jane Mathis & Nancy Lodon heirs of John & Elizabeth Ford Dec 2

Pension Office.
July 21, 1851.
I. G. Berret, Esq.,
Sir:
In answer to the application of the heirs of Elizabeth Ford, deceased, widow of John Ford, for pension, I have to inform you that the claim of Mrs. Ford was allowed on October 17, 1845, and the certificate sent to Richard Lanning, Esq., Sevierville, Tennessee.
F. S. Evans, for Commissioner.
Copied - June 18, 1935. 1851 Correspondence.I.I.Lerch.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
June 4 th , 1840.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," John Ford, Sen. a Pensioner on the Roll of the Knoxville, Ten. Agency, at the rate of Twenty Dollars and _____ Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of March 1836, to the 4 th Sept. 1839, 3½ years.
Respectfully, yours,
William E. Parris Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
February 25 th , 1841.
Sir :
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," John Ford, Sen r — a Pensioner on the Roll of the Knoxville, Ten. Agency, at the rate of Twenty Dollars and Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of Sept. 1839, to the 4 th March 1840.
Respectfully yours,
Wilson B. Parris
Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.

11.378
Elizabeth Fords
Jen u
Rejected Left Chit. Vending Mar 23. '74 same May 9 1875
Act July 7 th '38

No 11378
Elizabeth Ford Maw of John
Trn-
act 7 July 1838.
Rejected husb and 1844
same act 17 June 1844
6mo pnd
$20.00 per annum
Commencing on 5 August 1844
Richard Lanning
Irvinalee
Trn-

Pension Office July 10, 1855.
The Third Auditor will please contain the dates, respectively, to which the within named pensioners were paid.
Very respectfully, D. C. Calhoun Chief Clerk.
John Ford died 5 August 1844 paid in full. Elizabeth Ford his widow paid to 11 Mar. 1845. Robert M. Minner
July 11/55
Auditor

June 18, 1935.
Ethel Knox Riley 317 2nd Street Woodburn, Oregon.
RA-J/ILL John Ford W. 11000
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of a soldier with surname Ford (Foard, etc.) who emigrated from Virginia and took up land in Cumberland (later called Bledsoe) County, Tennessee, in 1801.
The Revolutionary War records have been searched, but without the full name of the soldier, no record can be identified definitely. The record has been found of a John Ford of Virginia, who resided later in Bledsoe County, Tennessee. His record is given herein as found in pension claim, W. 11000, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War. It is hoped that these data will aid you in your research.
John Ford was born November 13, 1762, in Albemarle County, Virginia; the names of his parents are not shown.
The prisoners were sent to Albemarle Barracks after Nov. 1778 - While a resident of Fluvanna County, Virginia, he enlisted and served as private in Captain Thomas Thurman's Virginia company, guarding Burgoyne's prisoners at Albemarle Barracks, later served in Captains Samuel Richardson's and Richard Napier's companies under Colonel Innes in the Virginia troops until shortly before the surrender of Cornwallis, length of service at least six months.
After his service, he continued to reside in Fluvanna County, Virginia, for sixteen years or longer, moved then to Roane County, Tennessee, where he remained about eight years, thence to Bledsoe County, Tennessee.
John Ford was allowed pension on his application executed

February 11, 1833, at which time he resided in Bledsoe County, Tennessee. He was referred to then as John Ford, Senior.
The soldier died August 5, 1844, in Bledsoe County, Tennessee.
John Ford married April 12, 1785, in Fluvanna County, Virginia, Elizabeth England.
Soldier's widow, Elizabeth Ford, made application for pension August 21, 1844, at which time she resided in Bledsoe County, Tennessee; she was then aged eighty years, date and place of her birth and names of her parents not shown. Pension was allowed. She died September 30, 1845.
The names of the children of John Ford and his wife, Elizabeth, who were living in 1851, are shown as follows: Jane Mathis of Bledsoe County, Tennessee, aged sixty-five years; Sarah Bristoe, aged sixty-two years; John Ford, aged fifty-five years; Nancy Loden, of Bledsoe County, aged fifty-three years; Mary Renfro, aged forty-eight years; and Reuben Ford, aged forty-five, also of Bledsoe County. The names of the husbands of the above noted daughters are not shown.
In 1855, Jane Mathis and Nancy Loden were of Grassy Cove, Bledsoe County, Tennessee.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

September 29, 1932.
Mrs. James G. Johnson 1810 Dandridge Pike Knoxville Tennessee.
BA-J/ILL John Ford W. 11000
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the record of John Ford, Sr., a Revolutionary War pensioner.
The record of John Ford is furnished herewith from the papers on file in pension claim, W. 11000, based upon his service in that war.
John Ford was born November 13, 1762 in Albemarle County, Virginia; the names of his parents are not given.
While residing in Fluvanna County, Virginia, he served on several different tours amounting in all to about six months under Captains Thomas Thurman, Samuel Richardson and Richard Napier and Colonel Ennis in the Virginia troops, specific dates of service not given.
After the war, the soldier lived in Fluvanna County, about sixteen years, then moved to Roane County, Tennessee, and resided there eight years, after that moved to Bledsoe County, Tennessee.
He was allowed pension on his application executed February 11, 1833, at which time he resided in Bledsoe County, Tennessee. He was referred to in his claim for pension as John Ford, Sr. and his name was borne on the pension rolls as John Ford, Sr. However, he signed his application for pension in 1833, as shown by a tracing of his signature attached, which it seems is John Ford, Jr.
He died August 5, 1844 in Bledsoe County, Tennessee.
John Ford married on April 12, 1785 in Fluvanna County, Vir-

ginia, Elizabeth England.
Pension was allowed on the application of Elizabeth Ford, widow of John Ford, which application was executed August 21, 1844, at which time she resided in Bledsoe County, Tennessee; she was then eighty years of age, the date and place of her birth not given.
She died September 30, 1845,
In 1851, the names of the children of the soldier and his wife, who survived their mother, are as follows Mrs. Jane Mathis, aged sixty-five years; Mrs. Sarah Bristoe, aged sixty-two years; John, aged fifty-five years; Mrs. Nancy Loden, aged fifty-three years; Mrs. Mary Renfro, aged forty-eight years; Reuben, aged forty-five years.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Assistant to Administrator.
Tracing of signature prepared by Mrs. Finch and attached on separate sheet. JLL
The name of widow is on A.B - Act 1844 - JLL.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
W11000.  In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of John Ford a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     ✓ 6 mos Pvt Thos Thurman Va.   Samuel Richardson Ennis   Richard Napier  
Battles engaged in, _____
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Fluvanna Co Va.
Date of application for pension, Feb 11, 1833. The cl. was al.
Residence at date of application, Bledsoe Co Tenn.
Age at date of application, at Albemarle Co Va. Nov 13, 1762.
Remarks: John Ford married in Fluvanna Co Va. Apr. 12, 1785 Elizabeth England. He d. in Bledsoe Co Tenn. Aug. 5, 1844. She died Sept 30, 1845 aged 81 yrs. leaving the following children who were alive in 1851 aged as follows: Mrs Jane Martin 65 yrs old. Mrs Sarah Bristol 63. John 55. Mrs Nancy Loden 53. Mrs Mary Renfro 48 and Reuben 41 -
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

JCL
Hartford, Michigan December 12, 1938
Veterans Bureau Pension Department Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:
Please send me the record of John Ford, Sr., a Soldier of the Revolution, who drew a pension in Bledsoe County, Tennessee.
Yours very truly,
Virginia Burnette Virginia Burnette

Woodburn, Oregon, May 15th 1935.
A.D.Hiller,Executive Assistant to The Veterans Administration, Washington, D. C.
Sir::
I am trying to learn the christian ( given ) name of a revolutionary soldier by the surname Ford (might have been spelled Foard) who took up a land grant from the government in Tennessee in 1801.He entered almost half of Grassy Cove,Tenn. for himself and sons as he was entitled to do by reason of having been a soldier in the war of 1776. Grassy Cove,Tenn. is in Cumberland County and I believe it was once a part of to be Bledsoe County. This Soldier Ford I understand was a Doctor Ford and came from Virginna. I would like to have his christian name,also his war record.I thought you might trace it for me by having the place and year of the land grant etc.
I am a great great grand daughter of Dr Ford and our records burned with the old homestead in Tenn. many years ago.
Thank you kindly for any information you can give me I am Respectfully,
Signature? Ethel Knox Riley,
317 Second Street,
Woodburn, Oregon.

1810 Dandridge Pike Knoxville Tennessee
Veterans Administration Washington D.C.
Will you please send me a copy of the Rev. War record of John Ford Sr. who was granted a pension while residing in Bladsoe Co. Tennessee in 1846.
Respectfully Mrs. James G. Johnson

Reay
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 11000
Elizabeth Ford Widow of John Ford Pris Vir Nels
Act: June 19 th 44
Index:—Vol. 9 , Page 246
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1921 Mar. 25. History to B.W. Whitlock Box 226. Harriman, Tenn. (see letter in W. 24223, Lewis Ford Pa.) aw 1922. Sept. 29. Hist. to Mrs. James G. Johnson - J.L.L. 1935 - June 18. Hist. Ethel Knox Riley J.L.L. 1939. Jan. 25. Hist. to Virginia Burnett J.L.L.

Giles Co. Certified that on the 12th: of April 1785 a marriage was solemnized between John Ford and Elizabeth England by me Philip Melton.
Registered in the Clerks Office of Giles County Teste
Ino: Timberlake C. C.
State of Virginia Giles County to wit
I Abraham Shepherd jun. Clerk of the County Court of Giles County in the State aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing Certificate of Philip Melton is a true copy from the records of the said Court.
In Testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of the said County Court this 15th: day of May 1831 in the 75th: year of the Commonwealth.
Abra: Shepherd jun. Clerk of Giles County Court.

11378
Elizabeth Fordo
Tex co
Act 7 th July 38
Richard Lanning Seven Hills Tennessee
h. d. Aug 5 th 44
Referred
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]

State of Tennessee Blount County } Be it known that on the 21 st day of August 1844, personally appeared before John H. Greer Esqr. an acting justice of the Peace for and in said County. Elizabeth Ford and Reuben Ford all of the County and State aforesaid, and upon their oaths have satisfactorily proved before the said justice of the Peace, that she the said Elizabeth Ford is the Widow of John Ford late deceased of said County, and that he died on the fifth day of August Eighteen hundred and forty four, and that at the time of his death he had been placed on the Roll of Revolutionary pensioners of the United States under the Act of Congress of 7 th June 1832, and further that he was the iden- tical John Ford, named in an original Certificate in his possession on the day of his death, and which is here shown to the said justice of the Peace, and of which the following is a true copy.
War Department Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7 th June 1832, John Ford Sen r of the State of Tennessee, who was a private in the Army of the Revolution is entitled to receive twenty Dollars per annum during his natural life, commencing on the 4 th of March 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4 th of March and 4 th of September in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this twenty fourth day of May One thousand eight hundred and thirty three.
Examined and Countersigned
Lewis Cass Secretary of War
J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions

And the the said Elizabeth Ford further testifies that the said John Ford Senr. Decd. was entitled to a pension at the rate of twenty Dollars per annum from the fourth of March 1841, to which time he was last paid to the 5th day of August 1844, when he died, on the account of services rendered the United States during the Revolutionary War, and that at the time of his death he resided in said Bledsoe County, and had resided there for the space of twenty years past, and that previous thereto he resided in Fauquier County State of Virginia.
Sworn to and Subscribed before me this 21 st day of August 1844.
John H. Greer Justice of the Peace for Bledsoe County
Elizabeth L. Ford mark Reuben Gore
State of Tennessee ss- September Term 1844, County Court Bledsoe County The declaration of Elizabeth Ford Certified on the 21 st day of August 1844 by John H. Greer a justice of the Peace for said County, being submitted to the court, the said court doth approve his proceedings and acts in said case, and hereby direct the Clerk to endorse the approval on the papers.
James Armistead Samuel Rankin W. Brown
State of Tennessee ss- Bledsoe County I John Thomas Clerk of the County Court of Bledsoe County do hereby certify that the foregoing proceedings are the the Original proceedings had and approved of by the County Court of Bledsoe County at its September Term 1844 relative to the declaration of Elizabeth Ford to obtain the benefit of the acts of Congress relative to Revolutionary pensions, and I further certify that the aforesaid John H. Greer is and was a

Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly Commissioned and qualified according to law, and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office at Office in Pikeville this 2 nd day of September 1844. John Thomas clerk